Apparent rate constant mapping using hyperpolarized [1-(13)C]pyruvate.

Hyperpolarization of [1-13C]pyruvate in solution allows real-time measurement of uptake and metabolism using MR spectroscopic methods. After injection and perfusion, pyruvate is taken up by the cells and enzymatically metabolized into downstream metabolites such as lactate, alanine, and bicarbonate. In this work, we present comprehensive methods for the quantification and interpretation of hyperpolarized 13C metabolite signals. First, a time-domain spectral fitting method is described for the decomposition of FID signals into their metabolic constituents. For this purpose, the required chemical shift frequencies are automatically estimated using a matching pursuit algorithm. Second, a time-discretized formulation of the two-site exchange kinetic model is used to quantify metabolite signal dynamics by two characteristic rate constants in the form of (i) an apparent build-up rate (quantifying the build-up of downstream metabolites from the pyruvate substrate) and (ii) an effective decay rate (summarizing signal depletion due to repetitive excitation, T1-relaxation and backward conversion). The presented spectral and kinetic quantification were experimentally verified in vitro and in vivo using hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate. Using temporally resolved IDEAL spiral CSI, spatially resolved apparent rate constant maps are also extracted. In comparison to single metabolite images, apparent build-up rate constant maps provide improved contrast by emphasizing metabolically active tissues (e.g. tumors) and suppression of high perfusion regions with low conversion (e.g. blood vessels). Apparent build-up rate constant mapping provides a novel quantitative image contrast for the characterization of metabolic activity. Its possible implementation as a quantitative standard will be subject to further studies.

Extracellular factors and immunosuppressive drugs influencing insulin secretion of murine islets.

Approximately 60% of transplanted islets undergo apoptosis within the first week post-transplantation into the liver attributed to poor engraftment, immune rejection and toxicity of immunosuppressive drugs. Understanding how extracellular matrix (ECM) components, immunosuppressive drugs and proinflammatory cytokines affect insulin secretion will contribute to an improved clinical outcome of islet transplantations. In this study, functional activity of isolated murine islets was measured by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and by electrophysiological measurements using patch-clamp. Cultivating islets with soluble fibronectin or laminin, as opposed to with coated laminin, markedly increased GSIS. Addition of cyclosporin A reduced GSIS and suppressed glucose-induced spike activity. Tacrolimus affected neither GSIS nor spike activity, indicating a different mechanism. To evaluate the influence of proinflammatory cytokines, islets were incubated with interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α or with supernatants from cultured Kupffer cells, the main mediators of inflammation in the hepatic sinusoids. IL-1ß exerted a bimodal effect on insulin secretion, stimulating below 2 ng/ml and suppressing above 10 ng/ml. Soluble laminin in combination with a stimulatory IL-1ß concentration further increased insulin secretion by 20% compared to IL-1ß alone, while with high IL-1ß concentrations soluble laminin slightly attenuated GSIS inhibition. TNF-α alone did not affect GSIS, but with stimulatory IL-1ß concentrations completely abolished it. Similarly, supernatants derived from Kupffer cells exerted a bimodal effect on GSIS. Our data suggest that improved insulin secretion of transplanted islets could be achieved by including soluble laminin and low IL-1ß concentrations in the islet cultivation medium, and by a simultaneous inhibition of cytokine secretion from Kupffer cells.

Dynamic analysis of metabolic effects of chloroacetaldehyde and cytochalasin B on tumor cells using bioelectronic sensor chips.

PURPOSE: To study the interplay of drugs and energy metabolism of tumor cells, metabolic changes induced by chloroacetaldehyde and cytochalasin B were analyzed in colon carcinoma cells LS174T. METHODS: O(2)-consumption and extracellular acidification were recorded using a bioelectronic sensor-chip system, which monitors these parameters in a culture continuously for at least 24 h. In parallel cultures cell number, cellular ATP-content, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined. RESULTS: When cell death was induced by chloroacetaldehyde (50 muM), the rate of acidification declined gradually for the next 15 h, while O(2)-consumption decreased rapidly within 30 min. This correlated with a loss in mitochondrial potential. However, cellular ATP-level showed a transient increase at 2 h; also ROS levels increased up to 6 h. In cells treated with cytochalasin B (2 muM), which inhibits glucose uptake, the rate of O(2)-consumption increased and the acidification activity dropped, even upon glutamine depletion. Mitochondrial membrane potential transiently increased after 1 h, while ATP-content decreased; there was no change in the level of ROS. CONCLUSION: The pattern of changes in basic energy metabolism differs with the type of cell death and growth inhibition involved in the cytotoxic action of two different drugs.

Functional cellular assays with multiparametric silicon sensor chips.

Multiparametric silicon sensor chips mounted into biocompatible cell culture units have been used for investigations on cellular microphysiological patterns. Potentiometric, amperometric and impedimetric microsensors are combined on a common cell culture surface on the chip with an area of approximately 29 mm2. Extracellular acidification rates (with pH-sensitive field effect transistors, ISFETs), cellular oxygen consumption rates (with amperometric electrode structures) and cell morphological alterations (with impedimetric electrode structures, IDES) are monitored on single chips simultaneously for up to several days. The corresponding test device accommodates six of such sensor chips in parallel, provides electronic circuitry and maintains the required cell culture conditions (temperature, fluid perfusion system). Sensor data are transformed into quantitative information about microphysiologic conditions. The outcome of this transformation as well as reliability and sensitivity in detection of drug effects is discussed. This is the first report on multiparametric cell based assays with data obtained solely with integrated sensors on silicon chips. Those assays are required in different fields of application such as pharmaceutical drug screening, tumor chemosensitivity tests and environmental monitoring.

Chemotherapeutic drugs change actin skeleton organization and the expression of beta-thymosins in human breast cancer cells.

PURPOSE: Elevated expression of the beta-thymosin isotypes T beta(4), T beta(10), and T(15) appears to be involved in the manifestation of a malignant phenotype of human tumor cells, including those of mammary carcinomas. This has evoked an interest in these peptides as diagnostic/prognostic tumor markers. If increased levels of beta-thymosins correspond to tumor malignancy, the question arises whether tumor growth inhibition induced by chemotherapeutic drugs would reduce their expression. METHODS: Two human breast cancer cell lines, the estrogen receptor(ER)-positive MCF-7 and the ER-negative MDA-MB231, were thus analyzed for the amount of beta-thymosin mRNAs by RNase protection assay and for the respective peptide levels by HPLC following different hormonal and drug treatments. RESULTS: Both cell lines, growing in medium with 10% FCS, contain T beta(4) (400-500 fg/cell) and Tbeta(10) (about 100 fg/cell), but no T beta(15). Incubating MCF-7 cells with tamoxifen (1 microM) for 5 days resulted in about 80% growth inhibition and in reduction of intracellular T beta(4) and T beta(10) concentrations by about 40%. Levels of T beta(4) and T beta(10)-mRNA were reduced by about 60%. In contrast, cisplatin (2 microM) changed neither the peptide concentrations nor the mRNA levels of beta-thymosins, in spite of marked growth inhibition. In addition, no changes in beta-thymosin expression were observed in MDA-MB231 cells treated with either drug. MCF-7 cells maintained in estrogen-poor medium (10% horse serum) or stimulated to grow with estradiol (1 nM) had Tbeta(4) and T beta(10) concentrations reduced by about 30%, but changes in T beta(4)- and T beta(10)-mRNA levels did not correspond to those of the peptide. CONCLUSION: Expression of T beta(4) and T beta(10) mRNAs and their peptides is differentially regulated and does not correlate with growth. Instead, reduced beta-thymosin expression may be linked to more intensive TRITC-phalloidin staining of F-actin lining the membrane at sites of intimate cell-cell contacts, while increased beta-thymosin levels appear in cells with more extensive substrate adhesion. This suggests that beta-thymosins play a role in cell surface dynamics.

Changes in the expression and binding properties of the estrogen receptor in MCF-7 breast cancer cells during growth inhibition by tamoxifen and cisplatin.

Most mammary carcinomas contain estrogen receptors (ER), which are an important factor in diagnosis and prognosis, and in deciding on the type of therapy. ER-positive tumors are most commonly treated with the antiestrogen tamoxifen or with a combination of chemotherapeutic drugs. An important aspect for further treatment and anticipating possible side effects is the fate of the ER during the course of therapy. To study the effect of drug-induced growth inhibition on ER expression and binding properties. human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were treated with tamoxifen and cisplatin. and also estradiol (E2) for 5 days. Following this incubation, intact cells were incubated with [3H]E2 to determine the dissociation constant (KD) and maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) of the ER. The amount of ER protein per cell was quantified using anti-ER antibodies. For analysis of ER mRNA, total cellular RNA was subjected to Northern blotting. The 5-day treatment with E2 reduced Bmax and the amount of ER protein by about 70%, while the cellular level of ER mRNA was reduced by 40%. Treatment with E2 did not affect the subsequent growth inhibitory response to tamoxifen or cisplatin. In contrast, tamoxifen reduced the capacity for E2 binding; it caused about a 30-fold increase in the KD value. At the same time, Bmax and ER protein content were increased (about 3.5- and 2-fold, respectively), but the cellular level of ER mRNA was again reduced by 40%. The growth of tamoxifen-treated cells remained sensitive to subsequent treatment with estradiol, tamoxifen or cisplatin. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with cisplatin likewise reduced E2 binding due to a 20-fold increase in KD value. In this case, both Bmax and the amount of ER protein were decreased when calculated per milligram of protein, but were increased on a cellular basis due to an increase in cell size. The ER mRNA content was not altered in cisplatin-treated cells. Growth of these cells also remained sensitive to tamoxifen and cisplatin. In conclusion, drug-induced changes in ER expression and binding capacity do not necessarily indicate a loss of sensitivity of breast cancer cells to a subsequent chemotherapeutic treatment.

beta-Thymosins, small acidic peptides with multiple functions.

The beta-thymosins are a family of highly conserved polar 5 kDa peptides originally thought to be thymic hormones. About 10 years ago, thymosin beta(4) as well as other members of this ubiquitous peptide family were identified as the main intracellular G-actin sequestering peptides, being present in high concentrations in almost every cell. beta-Thymosins bind monomeric actin in a 1:1 complex and act as actin buffers, preventing polymerization into actin filaments but supplying a pool of actin monomers when the cell needs filaments. Changes in the expression of beta-thymosins appear to be related to the differentiation of cells. Increased expression of beta-thymosins or even the synthesis of a beta-thymosin normally not expressed might promote metastasis possibly by increasing mobility of the cells. Thymosin beta(4) is detected outside of cells in blood plasma or in wound fluid. Several biological effects are attributed to thymosin beta(4), oxidized thymosin beta(4), or to the fragment, acSDKP, possibly generated from thymosin beta(4). Among the effects are induction of metallo-proteinases, chemotaxis, angiogenesis and inhibition of inflammation as well as the inhibition of bone marrow stem cell proliferation. However, nothing is known about the molecular mechanisms mediating the effects attributed to extracellular beta-thymosins.

Cell-cycle arrest, micronucleus formation, and cell death in growth inhibition of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by tamoxifen and cisplatin.

The induction of cell death along with cell-cycle arrest is one of the foremost mechanisms regulating cell growth. In the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 we investigated two chemotherapeutic agents, the antiestrogen tamoxifen and the DNA-damaging drug cisplatin, for the relative contribution of these mechanisms to growth inhibition in culture. Growth kinetics and flow cytometry confirmed that tamoxifen at 1 microM acts mainly by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Compared to untreated controls, only a few more cells were detached from the monolayer and dead after a 5-day incubation. On the other hand, cisplatin at 1 microM did not induce the well-defined G2/M-arrest reported for other cell types, but resulted in a marked increase in the rate of cell death. A morphological feature observed, especially with cisplatin-treated MCF-7 cells, was the formation of numerous micronuclei (in up to 30% of the cells) and an increase in the number of binucleate cells (up to 20%). In both tamoxifen- and cisplatin- treated cultures, cell death appeared to occur by apoptosis, as indicated morphologically by cellular and nuclear shrinkage accompanied by DNA-condensation and ultimately the formation of DNA containing apoptotic bodies. However, no internucleosomal DNA degradation or endogenous endonuclease activity could be detected in the cells of the monolayer or in the mainly dead and detached cells of the culture supernatant. DNA fragmentation was only observed when isolated MCF-7 nuclei were incubated with exogenous endonucleases. However, as determined by reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction amplification, MCF-7 cells do express the mRNA for DNase I, an endonuclease known to be involved in apoptosis. Thus, apoptosis is part of the growth-inhibitory process and occurs without apparent internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in MCF-7 cell cultures.

A one minute pulse of estradiol to MCF-7 breast cancer cells changes estrogen receptor binding properties and commits cells to induce estrogenic responses.

Changes in estradiol (E2)-binding parameters can be detected within minutes, while the estrogenic responses are manifested after several hours or days of continuous exposure to the steroid. The goal of this study was to determine the time of commitment for the induction of transcription-dependent responses in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. In cultures grown in steroid-deprived serum, a pulse of 1 nM E2 as short as 1 min was sufficient to maximally increase the level of the progesterone receptor, as determined by binding of the progestin [3H]ORG.2058 after 2 days, and to partially stimulate cell proliferation for 5 days. From uptake experiments it was calculated that after 1 min about 7000 E2 molecules were bound per cell, enough to occupy 5% of the approx. 150,000 estrogen receptors per cell. Preincubating cells with unlabelled E2 for 1 min lead to a loss of [3H]E2-binding capacity. As analysed by Scatchard plot, this loss was due to a decrease in the number of exchangeable binding sites and, to a lesser extent, to an increase in the dissociation constant. For up to 30 min of E2-incubation the level of receptor protein remained constant as determined by immunoassay with the anti-ER monoclonal antibodies D547 and H222. The dissociation kinetics of [3H]E2 bound by MCF-7 cells after a 5 min pulse were biphasic, with the slower phase having a rate of 2.3 x 10(-3) min. This rate is characteristic of the activated ER. The estrogenic response is thus committed by E2 within less than 1 min and evoked by the activation of a small fraction of estrogen receptors.

Chemical stability, biological activity and cellular uptake of a cisplatin analogue having a 1,2-diarylethyleneamine ligand in cultures of human breast cancer cells.

The platinum(II) complex PtCl2(meso-6), which has the estrogenic ligand meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4- hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine (meso-6), has been reported to be an effective antitumor drug for estrogen-receptor(ER)-positive tumors in animal experiments. The goal of this study was to investigate whether the observed biological effects could be ascribed to the intact PtCl2(meso-6). Cultures of the ER-positive human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 were used as the in vitro test system. In culture medium containing 10% fetal calf serum, PtCl2(meso-6) had a half-life of about 2 h, as determined by HPLC analysis, and no PtCl2(meso-6) was detectable after 10 h. The Pt complex bound irreversibly to serum protein. After 30 min, the diamine ligand was found released, with a maximum conversion of about 35% at 24 h. At this time the culture medium still had estrogenic activity, i.e. it induced ER processing in the MCF-7 cells. This indicates that the estrogenic effect was elicited by the released diamine ligand. In contrast, the growth-inhibitory activity of the medium preincubated with PtCl2(meso-6) was lost at a rate similar to the rate of loss of PtCl2(meso-6) from the medium. This accords with the platinum complex being the main cytotoxic entity. When MCF-7 cells were incubated with PtCl2([3H]meso-6), no free Pt complex could be identified in cellular extracts, and most of the cell-associated radioactivity coeluted with meso-6 in HPLC analysis. After 12 h, only 1.4% of the total cellular platinum was bound to DNA, but no tritium label could be detected. In conclusion, diamine ligand is released from the Pt(II) complex and can account for the estrogenic effects so far ascribed to PtCl2(meso-6).

Reversible and irreversible interactions of a cisplatin analog bearing a 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine ligand with plasma and plasma proteins in vitro.

The cisplatin analog [meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II) [PtCl2(1)], by virtue of its estrogenic 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine ligand 1, was intended to function as a cytotoxic estrogen. This article reports on the reversible and irreversible interactions of this compound with plasma and plasma proteins in vitro. At 37 degrees C [PtCl2(1)] is > 99% reversibly bound to proteins in plasma. At 0 degree C [PtCl2(1)] reversibly binds to albumin at specific binding sites not shared by 1. By use of HPLC the in vitro half-life of total [PtCl2(1)] in plasma was found to be 35 min at 37 degrees C, which is approximately 1/3 the half-life reported for cisplatin under similar conditions. To understand this decreased stability, irreversible reactions of [PtCl2(1)] with albumin and plasma globulins were investigated. The reaction rate of [PtCl2(1)] with albumin is independent of the protein concentration and is comparable to the rate of the first Pt-Cl hydrolysis reaction. Thus, [PtCl2(1)], like cisplatin, reacts irreversibly with albumin through a solvent-assisted SN2 substitution pathway. Because the hydrolysis rate for [PtCl2(1)] is 40% slower than for cisplatin, irreversible reactions of [PtCl2(1)] with albumin cannot account for the decreased stability of the compound in plasma. alpha-Globulins undergo substitution reactions with [PtCl2(1)] by both solvent-assisted and direct SN2 pathways. The half-life of [PtCl2(1)] in the presence of alpha-globulins at concentrations normally present in plasma (6-16 g/liter) is from 41 to 22 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Combinations of interferon with platinum complexes: synergistic and antagonistic effects on growth inhibition of MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells.

The growth-inhibitory effects of combining interferons (IFN) with platinum(II) complexes were tested with the aim of comparing these in cultures of estrogen-receptor(ER)-negative MDA-MB231 and ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Another aim was to test whether IFN as a biological response modifier could enhance the effect of the Pt complexes in vitro in an attempt to find an explanation for their more potent antitumor effects in in vivo models. Here it is shown that in both cell lines the combinations of different IFN with all three Pt complexes generally resulted in additive growth inhibition, as calculated by the product of the fraction of surviving cells obtained with each compound alone. Moreover, in MCF-7 cells natural IFN beta (nIFN beta) combined with aqua[meso-1,2-bis-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine] sulfatoplatinum(II) (meso-6-Pt) resulted in synergistic inhibition. This synergy could be attributed to the estrogenic property of meso-6-Pt, since the ligand and estradiol also enhanced the inhibitory effect of nIFN beta. In contrast, the combination of recombinant IFN gamma and meso-6-Pt was antagonistic in MDA-MB231 cells. These results show that, in spite of the similar responses of the ER-negative and ER-positive cells to each compound alone, these cells show unexpected differences in their sensitivity to combinations of IFN and the new Pt complex meso-6-Pt.

Dissociation of estrogenic and cytotoxic properties of an estrogen receptor-binding platinum complex in human breast cancer cell lines.

The Pt complex [meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethylenediamine]diaqua -Pt(II) sulfate (meso-6-PtSO4) was designed with the concept of combining the cytotoxic cisplatin with an estrogen receptor (ER)-binding ligand for targeting to ER+ mammary tumor cells. This Pt complex selectively inhibits growth of ER+ mammary tumors in rodents. To study the cellular mechanisms of action, cultures of two human mammary tumor cell lines, MCF-7 (ER+) and MDA-MB231 (ER-), were used and the effects of estradiol, tamoxifen, and cis-Pt compared with those of meso-6-PtSO4. The relative binding affinity of the meso-6-PtSO4 to the ER in MCF-7 cells was 0.35 compared to estradiol (relative binding affinity, 100). Nevertheless, the Pt complex was able to induce ER processing and increase the level of the progesterone receptor at concentrations of 1-10 nM. Growth of MCF-7 cells was inhibited at concentrations of meso-6-PtSO4 greater than 10 microM. MDA-MB231 cells were inhibited likewise by the Pt complex, indicating a lack of selectivity for the ER+ cells. The results show that meso-6-PtSO4 possesses both estrogen-like and cis-Pt-like properties. Since growth inhibition did not correlate with ER-mediated processes, these two properties are expressed independently at the cellular level. The selective growth inhibitory effect of meso-6-PtSO4 in vivo is suggested to involve endocrinological and/or immunological factors.

Rationale for combining tamoxifen and interferon in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.

Several investigators have discussed the possible combination of tamoxifen and interferon (IFN) in the treatment of breast cancer patients. The rationale in combining these drugs is that IFN induces the expression of estrogen receptors and therefore increases the sensitivity of breast cancer cells toward the growth-inhibitory activity of tamoxifen. In this paper we review the literature on the IFN-mediated expression of estrogen receptors and the postulated synergism of tamoxifen and IFN in the growth inhibition of breast cancer cell lines. Our results indicate that neither type I nor type II IFN increases the expression of estrogen receptors in MCF-7 cells. Together with tamoxifen both type I and type II IFN mediate additive but not synergistic growth inhibition of MCF-7 cells. On the basis of these results it is feasible to test tamoxifen and IFN as combined therapy in breast cancer patients. Preliminary clinical data show that the combination of 30 mg tamoxifen and 2 x 10(6) IU IFN-alpha as daily doses may induce WHO grade 3 leukopenia and thrombopenia in patients who are pretreated with polychemotherapy.

Stimulation of DNA replication by growth factor and hormones in Swiss 3T3 cells: comparison of the rate of entry into S phase with in vitro DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase alpha activity.

An approach to the investigation how growth factors and hormones regulate mammalian cell proliferation is to study the activity of enzymes involved in DNA replication. Quiescent cultures of Swiss mouse 3T3 cells were stimulated with prostaglandin F2 alpha, insulin, and/or hydrocortisone for a time at which less than 50% of the cells had initiated DNA synthesis. Such cells were lysed with a Ca++-containing hypotonic buffer and incubated with a nucleotide mixture including [3H]thymidine-triphosphate for 1 hr at 37 degrees C. The amount of radioactive label incorporated into the trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-precipitate and the percentage of labeled nuclei correlated with the in vivo stimulation. Analysis of radioactively and density-labeled DNA in sucrose and CsC gradients indicated that the incorporation of label reflected semiconservative replication. DNA polymerase activities were assayed in supernatants from whole-cell lysates prepared with a hypotonic buffer not containing Ca++. Using various templates, it was shown that the increase in activity of DNA polymerase alpha correlated with the percentage of cells in S phase upon the different stimulation, while DNA polymerase beta activity after various times of stimulation showed that this activity increased only when cells began to enter S phase, regardless of the combination of growth factor and hormones.

Increase of epidermal growth factor-stimulated cell-cycle progression and induction of thermotolerance by heat shock: temperature and time relationship.

When quiescent confluent cultures were incubated at increased temperature and then incubated at 37 degrees C prior to a second increase of temperature (46 degrees C) it appeared that heat-induced morphological alteration and ability to proliferate could be influenced by the previous thermal history of the cells. Incubations for 20 min in a temperature range of 41-46 degrees C caused cells to develop thermo-tolerance within 3 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. Confluent quiescent Swiss mouse 3T3 cells were incubated at 41.8, 43.7 or 45.6 degrees C and then reincubated at 37 degrees C to determine the effects of heat shock on the mitogenic effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Preincubation at 43.7 degrees C or 45.6 degrees C enhanced stimulation of G1-S progression by EGF. Preincubation at 43.7 degrees C markedly increased the rate at which cells enter the S phase without changing the length of the lag phase. A comparison of the duration of incubation at 43.7 degrees C for potentiation of EGF-induced DNA synthesis and that for induction of thermotolerance showed that a similar time interval for induction of effect could be implied.